25 Unconventional Business Books that You Won't See on Most Bookshelves

Gregory Ciotti |
July 3, 2016

There are few better shortcuts in life than reading. Distilled knowledge that often took years to assemble can be consumed in just a few hours.

The problem is that many business books are just plain awful. Bloated to meet book length quotas, overly self-promotional, or a regurgitation of common sense, most serve little purpose.

Those that are real winners become ubiquitous on book lists, to the point where you are tired of seeing them. If I have to read one more list that includes How to Win Friends and Influence People, I'm going to start losing friends and dis-influencing people out of spite.

25 underrated books for entrepreneurs

Today I thought we'd look at a few unconventional books for entrepreneurs that deserve a place on your bookshelf, even if they aren't on everyone else's.

1. Breakthrough Advertising

Written by Eugene Schwartz in 1957, the hype surrounding this book is immense.

You'll be lucky to find a copy for under $90. Talk to many world-class email marketers like Ramit Sethi, however, and they'll tell you it's worth the hunt:

"Eugene Schwartz's Breakthrough Advertising has some of the most sophisticated thinking on human psychology that I've ever read."

It's a dense tome, but Schwartz put together one of the most sought after books on marketing and copywriting ever written.

2. The Social Animal

Author Elliot Aronson is the only person in the 120-year history of the American Psychological Association to have won all three of its major awards for writing, teaching, and research. In other words, he's one of psychology's greats, and he knows how to communicate his knowledge.

This book, along with Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me) showcases his distinct ability to put important topics on human behavior in laymen's terms. I'd recommend it for anyone, but entrepreneurs in particular will get a lot out of it.

6. Raise the Bar

Why recommend a book that is clearly geared toward bar owners?

If you recall our brief overview of some of Jon Taffer's principals, you'll know that studying the hospitality industry offers a plethora of insights on providing an outstanding customer experience. After all, it's what the industry is all about.

Taffer shows his pragmatic side in this book, and it's filled with some amazing insights on differentiation and market research, hiring the right people, and mindset-changing advice on creating great customer experiences.

8. Never Eat Alone

Many entrepreneurs overlook networking because it’s often synonymous with a slick haired guy in a bad suit who's handing out business cards.

The fact is, however, that great relationships can be built on sincere connections and respect, and those are the best way to avoid “Field of Dreams Syndrome”—thinking that if you build it, they will come (they won't.)

Never Eat Alone was recommended by our friend Brian Balfour as one of the best guides on authentic networking.

11. The Copywriter's Handbook

Perhaps you've looked into books like Breakthrough Advertising and were a tad overwhelmed.

Books like that can be the equivalent of diving into Moby Dick, and intimidating yourself is no way to learn.

Bob Bly's writing is perfect for people interested in learning great copywriting, but who don't already consider themselves copywriters. Think of it as Copywriting for Dummies; you'll certainly be a lot smarter after you read it.

"Those who share my own keen interest in Warren Buffett's leadership and management principles will learn a great deal from a careful reading of these essays. They are quite literally "from the horse's mouth."

16. The New Strategic Selling

This has to be one of the most interesting sales books out there, especially for folks who don't consider themselves to be salespeople.

The review that "sold" me on this book makes a succinct case for why it's a great read:

"This is a great method for people who don't want to consider themselves "salespeople", but who indeed sell. Engineers, architects, high-tech products sales consultants, and other professionals, will find this to be a low pressure, ethics-based approach to selling. I call it "the engineers approach" to sales because it provides such a methodological approach."

You're always selling, even when you aren't, and this book will help you master the fundamentals. I've bookmarked it plenty.

21. Growing Great Employees

Many employees can naturally achieve 90% output on their drive and innate skills alone.

But it's that polish, that last ten percent, where managers and company leaders often play a pivotal role.

Pushing people without pushing them away, giving them honest feedback without letting the criticism go too far: this book offers some great advice on helping people thrive, especially for new founders/managers.